Professor

Carroll County Times: Westminster, Maryland

excerpt:

Steve McNair no longer needs a translator, a tour guide or anyone to introduce him around the Baltimore Ravens’ locker room.

A year ago, the veteran quarterback was undergoing a crash course in the Ravens’ playbook after a June trade from the Tennessee Titans. It was akin to trying to learn a foreign language in a few months. Plus, he was trying to get back in shape after being locked out of the Titans’ weight room due to a contract dispute.

Hence, there were some moments lost in translation.

Now, a rejuvenated McNair returns for his second season in Baltimore with a new comfort level and an increased knowledge of an offense designed to take advantage of his leadership and accuracy.

“I think it can help me a lot,” McNair said during a minicamp interview. “For one, it can give me a better understanding of what Brian Billick wants out of this offense and what I can do in this offense. We couldn’t put enough things in last year because of the limited time we had of me coming in.

“This year because we’re starting early, I think we can put some things in that I really and truly can do with my eyes closed. That’s going to enhance us to go out and execute and be consistent throughout the whole year.”

McNair appeared to tire toward the end of last season, turning in his worst performance at the most inopportune time. He threw two interceptions and passed for only 173 yards during the Ravens’ 15-6 playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

That marked an interruption of a hot streak McNair began after Billick fired offensive coordinator Jim Fassel and started calling plays himself.

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